The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified seven towns in Bohol as areas of concern for the upcoming May 2025 elections, which began the election period on Jan. 12, 2025, coinciding with the start of a gun ban.
Eliseo Labaria, Comelec provincial election supervisor, revealed that Bilar and San Miguel are classified under the “orange” category, indicating serious armed threats.
Meanwhile, Baclayon, Buenavista, Candijay, Ubay, and Pilar fall into the “yellow” category, which denotes areas with historical issues but less immediate threats.
Labaria explained that additional security measures would be concentrated in these areas due to potential threats needing close monitoring.
Other localities in Bohol remain under the “green” category, indicating no significant election-related security issues.
Nationally, the Comelec has categorized 38 areas as “red” — areas of grave concern due to serious armed threats and history of election-related violence, 177 as “orange,” and 188 as “yellow.”
A total of 1,239 areas are listed under the “green” category, where no election-related security concerns have been noted.
The classification of these areas was determined with input from the intelligence community.
The election period for the May 2025 polls will conclude on June 12, 2025.
This strategic categorization will ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process, with special attention given to areas with a history of electoral unrest or potential for violence, the Comelec said.